Elsie Faye Matheny

Elsie Faye Craft Matheny, born on 2nd, May1951 in New Castle, VA died on 6th June 2025 at the age of 74 years young. She was welcomed into the world by her parents Ruby Florence Bowles Craft and Paul Miller Craft in the small 4-room house she would grow up in. She was the youngest of the siblings raised with Paul Miller Craft Jr., Wayne Craft, Don Craft, and Linda Craft Camden in that tiny home in the mountains. She is survived by her brother Don Craft and his wife Rita Craft, adopted son Danny Ray Camden, two sons Charles Michael Matheny and John Paul Matheny, nieces Gina craft Wright, Marcy Craft Moore, Kathy Craft Furr, Diana Craft Morehart, Kevin and his wife Pat Craft. Depending on the time in her journey here on earth, she may have answered Elsie, named for her grandmother, Faye to her colleagues in the nursing profession or Tootsie to the nieces and nephew that considered her another mother. Establishing early on a strong work ethic and deep love for family. She was educated in Craig Co schools, graduating in 1969 from New Castle High School. For a brief time after graduation, she moved to Salem Va living in the historic homes on Union Street prior to returning home to New Castle to work in the sewing factory to help tend to the family. A chance meeting with Charles Howard Matheny in 1985 as he traveled thru Craig Co brought love and a chance to have a family of her own. They married in 1986 and had 2 son Charles Michael and John Paul. Always a caregiver to her family Tootsie pursued a nursing career in Alabama graduating from Bishop State Community College obtaining her LPN license and working at Allen Memorial Home in Mobile, AL for over 15yrs of dedicated service eventually becoming the charge nurse of her wing. She always enjoyed caring for others in need, often leading to sacrifices she willingly made to make a difference in the lives of others She wasn’t a woman for flash and flair. She preferred the quiet life. She is kind and never turned away a stray of any sort. She was quick to tell you what she thought and warn you. More times than not she was right. She was an absolute fighter and kept moving forward the best she could. Those that knew her knew love. Dedication. Faith. Compassion. If you wish to honor, her legacy it’s quite simple. Be kind. Do not stray from the hard things because it will be worth it. Pet an animal and enjoy its company, she had a way with them. Finally honor the elderly. Love, show love. That’s who Elsie Faye Craft Matheny was.

Tributes

Elsie Faye Matheny

May 2, 1951 - June 26, 2025